Sunday, April 14, 2013

Classic TV Commercials Starring William Shatner

During the course of his lengthy career, the ubiquitous actor William Shatner has starred in dozens of television commercials for different organizations.

His resurgence in popularity since the late 90s (as embodied by the Priceline Negotiator character) is rooted in a fearless willingness to poke ironic fun at his own public image.

Nevertheless, it’s the sincere early commercials that deliver the most entertainment for me. For your viewing pleasure I herewith present this collection of Willam Shatner’s greatest appearances as a company pitchman...

[Click to watch. Some videos may open in a separate window on YouTube.]

Shatner’s campy, knowing portrayal as the Priceline Negotiator from around 1997 onwards signalled a new era in his career as a commercial spokesperson. Audiences loved that he seemed in on the joke, able to maintain a straight face while delivering the most absurd lines of dialogue...

Hat tip

Incidentally, Mr. deVilla is well worth following online. I’m not even sure how to describe him—Local tech personality? Bon-vivant? Pop culture critic? Gentleman adventurer? Blogger? the Accordion Guy? At any rate he is determined to live and document an interesting life.

Bonus Links

Shatner dancing on $25,000 Pyramid:

Common / People - a William Shatner, Kirk & Spock slashup:

See also:

A rather manic (possibly sped up?) track from the 1977 William Shatner recording, Captain Of The Starship (William Shatner Live!)